The Article - Jackie Zufall (a court of thorns and roses ebook free .txt) 📗

it. Abby turned around and saw all eyes were upon her. “Now look here you guys, don’t start again”, she said, trying to sound very serious. Michelle said, “Come on Abby, surely you can see that things seem to be getting more like the old days for you with Paul around”. “Look guys, let’s just drop it, if it is meant to be then so be it”, she replied.
“Ah-Ha”, shouted Nicole, “I knew it, you are still in love with Paul”. “I did not say that”, Abby was quick to say. “There are things going on for Paul right now and he does not need more stress or pressure on him at the moment”. Seeing that Abby was serious, the others looked at her questioningly and Michelle said, “What’s going on Ab”? Abby thought a minute and then said, “well I don’t think Paul will mind me saying anything, just don’t bring it up unless he does, agreed”? she asked. All of them nodded in unison. “Paul just found out that maybe not only did his step dad kill his mother, but maybe even his dad years ago”. They all paled a bit then Susie said, “You’ve got to be kidding, Jay was telling me a few weeks ago that he and Paul had discussed the possibility of Ron having killed his mom, but his dad too, that is just so unbelievable”. “Oh believe it”, replied Abby. “Paul found his mothers journal hidden in his room and from what was in it as well as some files of Rons he found, it would certainly appear that he killed Mr. Zimmerman years ago just to get into his mothers life”. They all sat working on the dinner preparations each in their own thoughts.

As the adults all gathered around in a circle in the back yard later to eat, the kids all gathered in the house around the TV. to watch the video channel. After some light bantering back and forth, Paul finally said, “Well, as my dearest and closest friends in the world, I want to share some news with all of you”. The girls all glanced at Abby and each other knowingly. “I found out that there is a strong possibility that not only did Ron kill my mom, but maybe even my dad as well”. Mr. Miller practically dropped his plate, paling he yelled out, “That can’t be”. “I’m sorry Mr. Miller, I wasn’t thinking, I guess I should have found a better way to say that, I keep forgetting you have been friends with my folks since you guys were kids”. Mr. Miller stood up and walked over to Paul, placing his hands on Pauls shoulders he said, “No I am the one who is sorry, I should have known that no good scoundrel was up to something the day James died, the way he suddenly was always around”. “I just never thought about it then, Faye was going through such a tough time and Ron seemed good for her, I just never thought..”, his voice trailing off. “Mr. Miller, you were always there for us, and I will never forget that, I still remember the day my dad died you made sure I knew that we could always come to you for anything”. Paul reached out and gently hugged Mr. Miller. To which Mr. Miller replied, “And that still goes young man, I could never hope to replace such a great man as your father was, but I sure hope I was at least some comfort for you back then”. “You know you were”, replied Paul. The conversation went on for a bit as Paul showed everyone the papers and journal he had found, as they passed from person to person, they talked back and forth discussing everything. Eventually the evening wound down and everyone started working on cleaning up the mess. As each different family took their leave and said their goodbyes Paul kept glancing over at Abby from time to time. Finally all that was left was Jay, Susie, their kids, Mr. Miller, Paul, Abby and her kids.

“So what are your plans now Paul”? Jay asked. “Well, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking but until this thing is worked out and I know for sure about my parents, I have not made any real decisions yet”, Paul said. Looking over at Mr. Miller he said, “Mr. Miller, could I come by tomorrow and discuss something with you”. “Well of course”, replied Mr. Miller.


Chapter Fourteen


The day dawned bright, with clear blue skies, filled with puffy white clouds. It seemed to match Paul’s high spirited mood. Though he didn’t have actual physical proof yet, he felt better about things now. Except, of course, though Abby talked a good talk, he still felt that in a small way he had helped his mother’s murder along. If he hadn’t covered that story then Ron might not have killed her.
“No,” he though to himself. “That’s not true.” he was probably planning it even before the article was published. The article just gave Ron one last chance to get to me.
Paul shook off these thoughts and made himself try to get back in his good mood. He pulled his truck up in front of the “Loganville Tribune.” He had an appointment with Martin Lewis. Mr. Lewis had bought the tribune back when Paul was a boy from old man Peabody. Paul had heard that Mr. Lewis had been thinking about retiring, so he had called last week and arranged to meet with him.

Paul reached out to shake hands as he said, “Mr. Lewis, good to see you again.”
“Paul, please call me Martin,” He replied as he gripped Paul’s hand firmly. “you know I heard all about you being a reporter from your mother several years ago, She was so proud of you.” after a moment Martin said “So Paul, I have a feeling I already know but, what brings you by?”

A couple of hours later as Paul and Martin stepped out of his office and into the lobby Mr. Lewis said, “Paul, I’ll get those papers drawn up this afternoon and you can come by anytime to get them signed. I have to say I’m very pleased that you’re the one buying the place.”
“Thanks again Martin,” Paul said as he shook the man’s hand. “I’ll stop in tomorrow sometime.”
“ok.” replied Martin, “See you then.” with a quick wave Paul walked out the door, looked up at the sky, and taking a deep breath, smiled to himself and thought, “Here’s to a new beginning.” Walking briskly and happily he went across the street to Miller’s Hardware.

As Ben Miller watched Paul approach the counter he said, “Well Paul, you look a bit happier than I’ve seen you be since coming home.”
Smiling even bigger, Paul replied. “I am happier than I have been for a long time.” Glancing around, he asked Mr. Miller if they could talk somewhere privately. Ben turned around as he motioned for Paul to follow him. As they stepped into the office area Ben said, “Abigail, could you watch the counter while Paul and I have a chat?” Abby looked up at them with a wondering look, seeing that no one was going to say anything she said. “Sure.” and walked out of the office, pulling the door shut behind her. For the next hour she kept glancing back to look at Paul and her father through the office window, wondering what on earth they could be discussing for so long. Finally the door opened.
“Thanks Mr. Miller.” Paul said as he shook Ben’s hand.
“No problem, Paul,” he replied, “Let me know if I can be of any more help now, you hear me?” Paul nodded his head in agreement, smiled, and then turned to walk over to the counter where Abby stood watching them. “Abs.” he said with a nod, as he walked on past and out the door. Abby turned to her dad for an explanation. Smiling Mischievously her father turned and walked right back into his office.

Abby began closing up the register a little while later. Her father finally returned to the counter as she was finishing. “So.” she started, “Wanna tell me what that was all about?” When Ben did not answer her, she continued. “Dad, what’s going on?” Ben turned, looked his daughter in the eye without smiling and said, “I have no idea what you are talking about.” “Oh, no you don’t old man,” Abby replied, “you know full well what I’m talking about, what were you two talking about for so long?” Ben looked at her as though he had just caught on, and with an amused sound to his voice said, “Oh that, it was nothing, just guy talk.”
“Fine,” she retorted, “be like that, I’ll find out from Paul.”
“If you must” answered Ben rather mockingly, “but don’t count on Paul saying much either, as I said, it’s a guy thing.”
With that Ben turned to walk over to the door, then looking back said, “Shall we?” as he dangled the keys as a sign that it was time to go.

Two hours later as she was finishing dinner preparations, there was a knock on the back door. Abby knew immediately that it was Paul, as he was the only one who ever came to the back door. Especially since he always rapped once, then paused followed by four more short, quick raps. That was how he had always done it years ago. Smiling quickly at the memory, she just as quickly stopped smiling, she opened the door and with a look of non-interest, she turned and walked back over to the stove, leaving Paul to let himself in and shut the door.
“Dad’s in the living room.” She said rather shortly. “Is something wrong?” Paul questioned. “Why should anything be wrong?” She snapped back. “I mean if you men want to be secretive and not tell me anything, then so be it.” Paul smiled, finally understanding, “Oh that, well that was nothing, I was just asking your dad’s opinion on some things to do with the house.” he fibbed. “Whatever.” Abby replied. Paul walked into the living room, still smiling, and sat down in a chair across from Mr. Miller. “So,” he whispered, “She been like this since I left earlier?” “Oh, yeah.” smiled Ben, “She is beside herself with curiosity.” Continuing to whisper just to taunt Abby more as he could see she was trying to hear their conversation. “Here’s the papers, Martin stopped me as I was getting ready to drive off. He was pretty fast about getting them together.” Handing Mr. Miller a packet he pulled from his pocket, he asked, “Look them over for me, right quick?”

They sat in silence for a few minutes as Ben looked over the contract, Paul was watching Abby, who was trying to keep an eye and ear open, trying to get any clue as to what they were talking about, but trying not to be obvious about it.
Finally Ben, still playing along, whispered “these look fine Paul, I’d go ahead if it were me.” Paul thanked Mr. Miller and as he rose to go Ben said out loud, “Care to join us for dinner Paul?” He winked at Paul as he continued, “There’s plenty, right Abigail? “Whatever,” Abby replied rather abruptly. Paul responded by saying, “well if you’re sure.” Ben replied “I insist.”

A short time later the three of them sat down to a table covered with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, salad, and their choice of milk, tea, or water. “Wow, Abs,” exclaimed Paul, “everything looks and smells great.”
“Thanks.” she said. “Where are the kids?” Paul asked
“Nicoles house”, replied Abby. “Alright, already,” Paul said, “I can’t believe you,